SC-DEFAMATION 2 LAST

Raval then sought an adjournment for two weeks sayingRaval then sought an adjournment for two weeks saying senior advocate Kapil Sibal will argue in the matter and he is not available today and also sought a liberty to file rejoinder. The bench, how

Raval then sought an adjournment for two weeks saying

Raval then sought an adjournment for two weeks saying senior advocate Kapil Sibal will argue in the matter and he is not available today and also sought a liberty to file rejoinder.

The bench, however, refused the request for adjournment and posted the matter for July 27 and said that no further adjournment will be granted in the case.

Rahul had earlier moved the Supreme Court in May last year for quashing the criminal defamation case lodged against him for his comments. The case is pending before a magisterial court in Bhiwandi in Maharashtras Thane district.

The apex court had granted interim stay on the proceedings of the case before the magisterial court.

Rahul had earlier refused to accept the apex courts suggestion to express regret over his statement allegedly blaming RSS for Mahatma Gandhis assassination to close the defamation case against him, saying he will contest it.

The penal provisions make defamation an offence punishable by up to a two-year jail term.

It was alleged by Rajesh Kunte, secretary of Bhiwandi unit of RSS, that Rahul told an election rally at Sonale on March 6, 2015 that "RSS people killed Gandhiji".

He has said the Congress leader had sought to tarnish the reputation of the Sangh through his speech.

Following the complaint, the magistrates court had initiated proceedings and issued notice to Rahul directing him to appear before it. Rahul was summoned to appear before the trial court on January 6, this year.

The Congress leader then approached the High Court seeking exemption from appearance and quashing of the complaint.

The prosecution had opposed the petition and argued that Rahul can plead his case and lead evidence during trial before the magistrate.

The High Court had dismissed the petition and refused to grant stay on its order. It had allowed the Congress leader time to appeal against its order in the Supreme Court. He had moved the Supreme Court in May last year for quashing the criminal case lodged against him for his comments. PTI MNL SJK RKS SKV VMN VMN

This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.

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